Inventors:
Robert Gary Reed - Birdsboro PA
David A. Czekai - Spring City PA
H. William Bosch - Bryn Mawr PA
Niels Peter Ryde - Malvern PA
Tuula Ryde - Malvern PA
Assignee:
Elan Pharma International Limited
International Classification:
B02C 1716
Abstract:
A small-scale or micro media-mill and a method of milling materials or products, especially pharmaceutical products, use a dispersion containing attrition milling media and the product to be milled. The milling media can be polymeric, formed of polystyrene or cross-linked polystyrene, having a nominal diameter of no greater than 500 microns. Other sizes include 200 microns and 50 microns and a mixture of these sizes. The mill has a relatively small vessel having an opening, an agitator, a coupling, and a motor. The agitator can have a rotor and a shaft extending therefrom. The rotor can be cylindrical or have other configurations, and can have tapered end surfaces. The coupling can close the vessel opening, or attaching the coupling to the motor can close the opening. The coupling has an opening through which the rotor shaft extends into the motor. A sealing mechanism, such as a mechanical or lip seals the shaft while permitting the rotor shaft to rotate.